Coolant Quantity?

[JLandry]

Hi Ram gang,

I have a couple of questions about draining and refilling engine coolant in my 2014 3500 dually with an Aisin transmission.

1. Is the best / most convenient / acceptable way to drain coolant by removing the fender liner on the passenger side of the wheel well then loosening one the lower radiator hose clamps? I ask because I don’t see a drain valve anywhere.

2. What is the approximate quantity of coolant needed for a simple drain and refill via the above method?

Thanks in advance,

John L.

 

[Topzide]

That's what I ended up doing on mine! I think it's between 4 and 5 gallons of antifreeze. remember to burp banjo bolt on top of EGR cooler. Makes a bit of a mess, used a water heater pan and 5 gallon bucket.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Not sure but I think the banjo bolt is gone at a certain year. My 15 does not have it, my 11 did.

 

[Topzide]

He's got a 2014 like mine, only difference is his has Aisin trans. The fun of pulling the hose and whoosh of antifreeze! Remember it like it was yesterday.

 

[bcbender]

I use a fluid evacuator and suck it out of the radiator cap, no mess, but its darn close to 5 gal, I fill the evacuator and dump, then go back for more.

 

[Topzide]

@bcbender, You can't do that with the coolant reservoir on the firewall. No radiator caps, just hoses with y-pipes since dual radiators. No easy way to drain this beast!

 

[bcbender]

AH... didn't have that yet in my fleet to deal with... I cannot believe they don't have a drain port "somewhere". On my Honda its there, but a PITA because the radiator is vertical flow so no tank to stick the tube in, and the Rad drain has no nipple on it to put a length of hose on, so basically you have to put it on the lift with a big bucket and attempt to catch it... but no pulling of hoses.

I remove coolant(s), filter and reuse the coolant on my vehicles until its due for replacement, and the dealers would / should do the same so that is why I would be surprised if there is truly not a way to remove it without making a total mess.

 

[Topzide]

They say there's a drain port with nipple per FSM. I be darned if it's there are easy to access! A water heater drip pan and five gallon bucket under passenger wheel well and a prayer to not have a catastrophe!

 

[bcbender]

@Topzide now you've peaked my interest. I am going to look tonight when I get home on my 20' to see what's where or there. I'd assume it to be a plastic hex feature either on the side or bottom of the tank(s). I would bet you its the same color as the tank, and behind something stupid, why would the engineer make the resin stock different color to make it visible, or put it in a convenient location, but most drain plug / valves I've seen are black.

 

[kthaxton]

Not sure on a 2020, but on my 2015, there is a drain valve on the bottom of the radiator, but you pretty much have to remove the grill (and maybe something else I am forgetting) to access it.

 

[Topzide]

With dual radiators they did for a few model years, they didn't make it very fun! I'm sure it's hidden somewhere inconvenient to get to and that's what makes it easier to pull a hose! @bcbender, I hope they are a lot nicer to you on the newer trucks! Really have to make things go right as everything is going up in $. Won't be putting miles on unless it's necessary!

 

[Turbo Terry]

Used to be a black plastic spigot driver side lower corner. Put a plastic hose on it and open into a 5 gallon bucket pretty simple.

 

[bcbender]

Really have to make things go right as everything is going up in $. Won't be putting miles on unless it's necessary!

I used to think that was the case, but I plan to drive mine, its my first new truck and I hope not my last, my normal annual / car or truck usage is about 10~15k so I should have plenty or margin and be well within the warranty I have. FWIW, In an era where SUVs, sedans, and Minivans are 50K... suddenly 60~80k for a very capable truck doesn't seem that bad. Look what some are paying for sports cars and sedans.

 

[Topzide]

@bcbender, I understand the new toy thing and wanting to get out and go! In my case, not just going to jump in and take a cruise to pass the time. Son is out in San Antonio at the moment and never know if I'll have to head his way for something. I'd be taking the truck if something came up. Would be about the same $ flying 1st class due to back and hip issues( need extra space for legs) as it would for fuel! Plus the truck FWIW is more comfortable and I can stop and sight see if I want. Enjoy that truck!!!!